Genentech Acquires Preclinical Human IL-17 mAb from NovImmune

Agreement for anti-inflammatory candidate includes access to back-up antibodies.!--h2>

Genentech has acquired exclusive rights to a fully human IL-17 mAb from NovImmune, along with access to back-up antibodies. NovImmune claims the late preclinical-stage antibody could have applications as a therapeutic candidate against multiple autoimmune diseases. As part of the deal the firm will receive an up-front payment from Genentech in addition to clinical milestones and future sales royalties.

NovImmune is dedicated to discovering and developing therapeutic mAbs for the treatment of immune-related disorders. The company’s pipeline includes candidates against type 1 diabetes, Crohn disease, transplantation-related conditions, and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Lead candidate NI-0401 is a fully human anti-CD3 mAb designed to bind and modulate the CD3 epsilon chain expressed on T cells. The product is currently in mid-late-stage trials for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, Crohn disease, and transplantation indications.

A Phase II-stage anti-inflammatory mAb candidate NI-0801 is designed to bind specifically and selectively to the human chemokine IP-10 (CXCL10) and inhibit the interaction of IP-10 with its cognate receptor and glycosaminoglycans.